Bronetsky: The Granovsky case has become a symbol of double standards in the justice system
10 June 20:36
The case of former MP Oleksandr Granovsky has become a prime example of double standards in the justice system, particularly in the context of plea agreements.
This was stated on the YouTube channel "Komersant Ukrainian" by Stanislav Bronevitsky, a former prosecutor with the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office and a lawyer.
“MP Granovsky, who paid—and this became a meme—a 5,100 hryvnia fine thanks, once again, to a plea deal. And that’s it. And that’s where it all ended,” he noted.
According to Bronevitsky, it is precisely these kinds of stories that raise the most questions among the public. People see that in some cases, defendants receive actual prison sentences, while in others, they get off with symbolic fines after reaching plea deals with investigators.
For comparison, the lawyer cited another case in which he had previously served as lead counsel.
“In the case where I served as lead counsel, a verdict was handed down, and the deputy chairman of the Rivne Regional Council received a sentence of 9 years in prison. On the other hand, we have fines amounting to 5,100 hryvnias,” said Bronetskyi.
In his opinion, it is precisely because of such cases that plea deals are increasingly becoming the subject of heated public debate, and cases involving high-ranking officials are perceived as an example of double standards in the justice system.
As a reminder, in October 2024, NABU and the SAPO concluded their investigation into a large-scale scheme at the Odesa Port Plant.
According to the investigation, from March to December 2015, former MP Oleksandr Granovsky, together with a trusted associate, organized a scheme whereby the Odessa Port Plant sold mineral fertilizers to a predetermined company at prices below market value. As a result, the state suffered losses amounting to millions of dollars.
In addition to the former MP, the suspects in the case included his confidant, two plant officials, and the owner of a foreign company.
In April 2026, the High Anti-Corruption Court approved a plea agreement in this case. It provides for full compensation to the state for losses amounting to 77.5 million hryvnias. Granovsky himself received a fine of 5,100 hryvnias—the maximum penalty provided for under Article 344 of the Criminal Code, under which he was charged.
The parties to the agreement also committed to transferring 50 million hryvnias to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine through the UNITED24 platform.
